Paykel Media, one of Australia’s most respected independent media agencies, has announced the appointment of Sarah Keith (main photo) as managing director, effective immediately.
In her new role, Keith will be responsible for Paykel Media’s operations in Sydney and Melbourne, including Paykel Plus and Paykel Transact, to build a compelling proposition for existing and new clients.
Keith will report to Active International Group Managing Director, Cameron Swan, and work closely with Paykel Media Chief Operating Officer, Caroline Doran.
Following Tony Paykel stepping down from Managing Director to head the agency’s partnerships earlier in the year, the search was on for a new Managing Director to take the reins and accelerate Paykel Media into the future.
Keith was previously Managing Director of Publicis Media Exchange. Her 25-year career in media and marketing includes senior roles at Network 10, Fairfax Media, Fox Sports, SBS, Austereo and UK’s Channel 4.
Swan said: “I’m so excited to see Sarah joining Paykel Media. Sarah is a strong and respected media leader, with diverse and invaluable experience, a mindset of innovation and growth, and ultimately the perfect fit for the agency.
“With Sarah in the lead, I feel confident and excited for what’s to come. Sarah’s leadership and strategic direction will advance the agency’s transformation as they seek to grow their offering to clients while harnessing the talent within the team. Paykel’s next chapter is in good hands.”
Keith said: “I’m delighted to be joining Caroline and the Paykel team at such significant time for the agency. I was seeking a new challenge and the timing just could not be better.
“I see an enormous opportunity for growth for Paykel Media and its clients. The combination of close, long-standing relationships with Australia’s biggest media owners and publishers with an upfront, results-focused media approach is very powerful and the right fundamentals for the agency to succeed.
“The potential is real. My aim is to go beyond what’s expected from an indie in Australia,” she said.
The Paykel Media transformation has already seen Payekl building the business with agency partnerships and Caroline being promoted to the national role of Chief Operating Officer.
With Keith as Managing Director the agency is focused and ready to set a new standard for independent agencies in Australia.
